9 Additives You Should Avoid in Your Dishwasher Detergent

Did you know that dirty dishwasher detergents can leave residue on your dishes? Well, it’s true. If you have ever experienced spots or a film on your dishes after the wash cycle then you know what I’m talking about.

Before you go and buy another container of dishwashing detergent, take a look at what is really in that container.

Dishwasher detergents are loaded with toxic chemicals like phosphates, borax, chlorine bleach, and dyes that pollute our waterways and harm fish and wildlife. They also contain artificial fragrances and preservatives that may lead to health concerns like allergies, asthma, burning eyes, respiratory problems, nausea and even cancer.

In this post I will review some of the most common additives found in leading brands of dishwasher detergents and why they should be avoided.

1. Phosphates

Phosphate is used to soften hard water and make it more effective at cleaning your dishes.

Unfortunately, phosphates are now banned in dishwasher detergents because they are toxic to aquatic life. Phosphorus runoff from lawn fertilizers has been linked to algae blooms that kill fish in lakes and streams by

With the new dishwasher on the way, you’ve had to start paying attention to your dishwasher detergent and all that’s in it.

With all the additives, fragrance, and other ingredients, it can be hard to recognize what is safe and what isn’t. While some additives are completely harmless, others can cause allergies and breathing problems for you and your family. Here are nine additives you should avoid in your dishwasher detergent.

1. Phosphates: Phosphates are a great additive for getting your dishes clean but aren’t good for the environment or our water supply. They are also banned in several states due to their harmful effects.

2. Fragrance: This one’s a no brainer – fragrances can cause allergies in sensitive individuals and can even cause chronic headaches!

3. Optical Brighteners: These chemicals coat your dishes so that they appear brighter after washing but do not actually get them any cleaner than regular detergents. If anything, these chemicals may leave behind residue on your dishes that will make them appear more dingy than before!

4. Synthetic Dyes: Synthetic dyes are made from petroleum-based materials and can be toxic when ingested or inhaled in small amounts over time. They also don

New dishwasher detergents are full of additives and chemicals that many people would avoid if they knew what they were using. If you want to keep your family healthy, check out this list of the most common additives in dishwasher detergent and avoid buying products that contain them.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a foaming agent used in cleaners and detergents. It can be harmful to your skin and cause allergic reactions, rashes or burning sensations. In fact, companies like Johnson & Johnson use it in clinical testing as an indicator that a product may potentially be irritating to the skin.

2. Glutaral

Glutaral is a common preservative found in many household cleaning products. It can be dangerous if ingested and has been linked to cancer, allergies and asthma.

3. Phosphates

Phosphates help cut grease and remove stains on dishes but have been outlawed in most states because they contaminate lakes and streams.

4. Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

Benzisothiazolinone is a preservative added to many dishwasher detergents that can cause severe allergic reactions such as dermatitis or eczema

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A recent blog post from Consumer Reports (CR) pointed out the top reasons to avoid automatic dishwasher detergents containing phosphates. The organization has been an advocate for removing phosphates from all dishwasher detergents since 2010, and successfully lobbied the state of Washington and municipalities in Illinois and Maine to ban phosphates from automatic dishwasher detergents.

Although most manufacturers now boast phosphate-free formulas, some still include the additive, which is why CR advises consumers to check product labels and contact manufacturers if you don’t see a phosphate-free claim.

If you’re curious about what’s in your current dishwasher detergent, we’ve compiled this list of common additives with descriptions provided by CR.

1. Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs): These nonionic surfactants have been shown to be toxic to various aquatic organisms. Although they are being phased out, APEs can still be found in some products.

2. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs): Like APEs, these nonionic surfactants are toxic to aquatic organisms and are being phased out of use but are still included in some formulas.

3. Chlorine bleach:

This is the first in a series of blog posts on the subject of dishwashers.

There are a variety of reasons that you may be looking to buy a new dishwasher:

1. You’re replacing an older model because it’s not working well.

2. You’re remodeling your kitchen and need to purchase a new dishwasher.

3. Your dishwasher is too small and you need to get a larger model.

4. You want to reduce your water consumption and save money on electricity by purchasing an energy-efficient model with Energy Star labels or other certifications.

Those are all great reasons to buy a new dishwasher, but there are some important things you should know about your new dishwasher before buying it, or even before starting to shop for one!

Most people don’t think about their dishwasher and the cleaning products they use in it on a daily basis. When your dishwasher isn’t working as well as it should, you have to call a professional to check it out. But, have you ever wondered what’s in the cleaning products that you use in your dishwasher?

Industrial-strength dishwashing detergents contain powerful chemicals designed to tackle baked-on food and other stains. Most of these products are filled with harsh additives that can harm the environment and leave behind chemical residue (on dishes and glasses) that can irritate sensitive skin. So, what are some of these harmful additives? And, how can you avoid them?

Here are nine things that you should avoid when buying your dishwashing detergent:

1. Polycarboxylates (or Polycarbs) – This is an additive that has been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and reproductive abnormalities, according to a 2013 article published by LiveStrong.com.

1. Surfactants